Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America

Barnsdall, Aline, 1882-1946 print view role Collector dates 1882-1946 city Los Angeles state CA other cities Bradford, PA; Chicago, IL sex F historical notes Aline Barnsdall, born on April 1, 1882, in Bradford, Pennsylvania, was a trailblazing figure in the early 20th century, known for her fierce independence, unwavering dedication to the arts, and her profound impact on the cultural landscape of Los Angeles. The daughter of oil magnate Theodore Barnsdall, Aline's journey into the world of arts and culture began with her extensive travels, often alongside her father, who she deeply admired. In 1913, Aline made her way to Chicago and later to New York, where she delved into producing experimental plays. Alongside her partner, Arthur Bissell, she founded the Player Producing Company, staging groundbreaking productions in Room 734 of the Fine Arts Building. However, Barnsdale's most enduring legacy would take shape in Los Angeles. Her encounter with architect Frank Lloyd Wright in Chicago led to the creation of Olive Hill, an ambitious project intended to be a haven for artists and a hub for avant-garde theater. She envisioned a cultural acropolis that would encompass a grand theater, residences for actors, studios, and more. This dream culminated in the construction of the iconic Hollyhock House, a blend of Mayan and Japanese architectural styles. Although her collaboration with Wright was marked by tension and ultimately ended, the house became an enduring symbol of her dedication to the arts. She donated Olive Hill, including Hollyhock House, to the city of Los Angeles in 1927. Despite subsequent conflicts with city authorities, her gift laid the foundation for what would become Barnsdall Art Park. Barnsdall’s personal collection included paintings by Cézanne, Renoir, Monet, Picasso, Gauguin, Braque, Van Gogh, Utrillo, Vlaminck, Diaz, Corot, Chirico, Dufy, Epstein, Feininger, Fulwider, Lutz, Monet, Matisse, Schreiber, Picasso, and Soutine; drawings and prints by George Bellows, Picasso, Hugo Geller, and Fritz Thaulow; and some Chinese and Japanese screens, figures paintings, and prints. She was also a patron of the architects Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler and photographer Edmund Teske, among others. decades of activity 1910-1920 1920-1930 1930-1940 1940-1950 website https://hollyhockhouse.omeka.net/ updated 10/31/2024 13:33:23 bibliographic search Search Frick Art Reference Library Catalog Search Photoarchive Search Worldcat Search Library of Congress Name Authority File (LCNAF) Search Virtual International Authority File (VIAF) Search Wikidata Entry Archives/Repository Collection Title Collection Details The Getty Research Institute Research Libraries, Archives and Special Collections Teske (Edmund) papers see details... The Getty Research Institute Research Libraries, Archives and Special Collections Frank Lloyd Wright correspondence with R. M. Schindler, 1914-1929, bulk 1918-1922 see details... Archives of American Art Victor Building, Suite 2200 Sheldon Cheney papers, 1915-1972 see details... «  back